Irish journal of medical science
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Tinnitus is a phenomenon that affects approximately 15% of the adult population. A minority of patients will experience chronic bothersome tinnitus that has a detrimental effect on their quality of life. Management of such tinnitus is challenging for healthcare practitioners. Primary care services are the first point at which patients seek expert medical advice about their condition and General Practitioners (GPs) must be equipped with the knowledge to appropriately triage and guide patients. ⋯ This study demonstrates there is wide variation in how tinnitus is evaluated and managed by GPs, which represents a gap in clinical care. We recommend further research, implementation of a service model for tinnitus, national clinical guidelines, training pathways for primary care staff and establishment of regional direct-access tinnitus clinics throughout Ireland.
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Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a neuropathic itching condition unilaterally localized in the midscapular area. It is a common but an underdiagnosed disease, and only a few studies investigating NP etiology with a limited number of patients have been reported in the literature. ⋯ We found no correlation between symptom severity and findings from neurological and histopathological evaluations. Further microneurological studies should be carried out to elucidate the etiology of NP.
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination, inflammation, gliosis, and axonal loss. Nowadays, increasing scientific reports have focused on neurodegenerative processes and structural changes of the disease underlying pathogenesis. ⋯ The findings showed that quantitative assessments based on stereological method on brain MRIs facilitate clarifying neuropathology of the disease. Also, it can be helpful as a simple index for following up the clinical situation and assessing therapeutic efficiency in MS patients. It may provide a precise treatment approach and justification of symptoms in patients with MS.
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Adipose tissue is producing adipokines that play different roles in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. ⋯ Leptin concentrations were inversely proportional to LVMI and PWV in patients with BMI < 25 kg/m2.
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The dynamic hip screw (DHS) is a common device used in the fixation of hip fractures. Traditionally, this involves the use of a four-hole side plate. Reducing the length of the side plate would theoretically reduce the amount of surgical exposure required, decrease surgery duration, and decrease perioperative morbidity and mortality. Our study aims to review the current evidence regarding the use of two-hole side plates, their use and potential complications. ⋯ Level II; systematic review of all levels of evidence.